Texas running back targets for the 2025 class
Texas running bacsk coach Tashard Choice is building an impressive resume in Austin. From fine-tuning Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson for the NFL, to signing Cedric Baxter and Tre Wisner, to gaining commitments from Jerrick Gibson and Christian Clark, Choice is recruiting at a very high level.
Now the focus shifts to the 2025 cycle. Texas has a handful of offers out to some of the nation’s top tailbacks, so let’s take a closer look at UT’s RB big board.
Jordon Davison, RB, Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei
The 5-foot-11, 210-pound running back is the No. 35 overall prospect and No. 3 running back in the 2025 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. With offers from Texas, Ohio State, USC, Georgia, UCLA, and others, the Longhorns, Trojans, and Buckeyes are programs to watch in this recruitment right now.
Davison tripped to Austin earlier this year and left with a great perspective on Choice and the Texas program. For now, Davison is looking at another Austin trip, either in late July or during the season for a game.
USC and Texas are the two favorites in Davison’s recruitment up to this point according to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM). The Trojans sit with a 48.2% chance to land his pledge while Texas sits not too far behind at 40.3%.
Harlem Berry, RB, Metairie (La.) St. Martin’s Episcopal School
The 5-foot-10.5, 177-pounder is no longer a secret in the recruiting world. He boasts some of the biggest offers in the country, including Texas, Alabama, LSU, Florida, Michigan, Oklahoma, and Georgia.
Texas offered Berry last October and he took an unofficial to UT in the Spring. It was there he met Choice in person and now he’s looking at a return trip to Austin this fall.
After his performance at the Under Armour Next Future 50, it’s easy to see why Berry is On3’s No. 1-rated tailback for 2025 and likely near the top of UT’s big board for backs.
“In the Fastest Man 40-yard dash Challenge to end the morning session, Berry ran a 4.31 (according to my watch) to get into the finals and then won the contest with a 4.28 to win the competition. All of this was done after completing a two-hour workout. Berry, who plays at Metairie (La.) St. Martin’s Episcopal School, is an offensive weapon and let everybody on the field today know that he is the last one anyone wants to try and defend out of the backfield in one-on-one situations.” — On3 Scouting and Rankings assistant Cody Bellaire
Deondrae Riden, RB, DeSoto (Texas)
After Riden put DeSoto on his shoulders in the second half of its 6A Division II state championship in 2022, everyone knows about the 5-foot-10. 195-pound bruising tailback from the metroplex.
Texas, Michigan, Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, and Texas A&M have all offered the District 11-6A Offensive newcomer of the year who tallied 1,354 yards rushing and 18 touchdowns on 199 carries.
Riden hit Austin this Spring and really enjoyed getting to see Texas for the first time. He told Inside Texas he’ll be back soon, potentially in late July or early this fall.
With former teammates Johntay Cook and Tre Wisner in his ear, the Horns could be in prime pouncing position the more his recruitment plays out.
Riden is the No. 153 overall prospect and No. 13 running back in the 2025 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. He is also the No. 26 player in Texas.
James Simon, RB, Shreveport (La.) Calvary Baptist Academy
Texas extended an offer to the 5-foot-11, 190-pound On3 four-star from Da Boot on March 20, then hosted him for Junior Day a week later.
Simon really broke out in 2022, accumulating 1,005 yards rushing and 22 touchdowns on 138 carries, good for 7.3 yards per play. He also posted a 24.78 200-meters in the Spring of 2022 as a freshman.
LSU, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, USC, and Florida have all offered the rising tailback.
Simon ranks as the No. 165 overall prospect, No. 15 running back nationally, and No. 4 rated prospect in Louisiana for 2025, according to the On3 Industry Ranking.
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